VAUXHALL in Ellesmere Port has handed over the keys to a new Meriva vehicle for the use of the Hospice of the Good Shepherd.

The vehicle will enable the hospice to collect blood products and medication from the Countess of Chester Hospital, as well as allowing the nurses to take patients for appointments, instead of having to wait for ambulances.

The hospice also has a social group every Wednesday which uses the car for its events, preventing people being isolated in their own homes.

Plant director Tony Francavilla said: “Loaning vehicles to local charities is something Vauxhall takes pride in doing as we believe the gift of a vehicle can benefit charities in different ways to financial aid.”

Audrey Jones, clinical services manager at the hospice, said: “I am so grateful to Vauxhall for their donated car.

“It adds enormously to the quality service we offer. It also saves us thousands of pounds a year which can then be spent on patient care.”